On September 1, 2003, Matthew Barr interviewed Robert Edens for the Wild Caught oral history project. Robert Edens, 21 years old at the time, is a commercial fisherman from Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Growing up in a fishing community, Edens developed a strong connection to the lifestyle and began fishing at an early age, working closely with his father. He focuses on grouper fishing, traveling up to 60 miles offshore to fish using hook-and-line methods. The interview explores Edens' experiences and motivations for continuing in the fishing industry. He emphasizes the sense of freedom and self-employment that fishing offers, as well as the deep sense of community in Sneads Ferry. Edens notes that many of his peers have chosen different career paths, often because fishing lacks benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Despite the challenges, Edens expresses a willingness to take risks and adapt, highlighting his appreciation for the independence and skill required in commercial fishing. Edens discusses concerns about the impact of rapid real estate development on the fishing community, particularly the possibility of losing docking spaces to condos and other developments. He expresses uncertainty about the future of the fishing industry and doubts whether the next generation will have the same opportunities.